Today's EU Member States’ and EDF Associated Countries’ air forces operate a diverse range of heterogeneous systems, leading to interoperability challenges at functional, software, and hardware levels. With the integration of unmanned systems into air combat, future interoperability will require deeper networking, potentially facilitated by a new generation of tactical data links.

This call aims to develop an EU-wide strategy to harmonize, standardize, and share processes and tools to enable joint air combat capabilities. These capabilities will integrate future air combat systems, manned and unmanned platforms, legacy platforms, sensors, and effectors. The key objective is to develop mission systems that are flexible and scalable, supporting interoperability across various platforms and operational environments.

Projects under this call will focus on the development of key technologies and capability-building blocks, such as:
- A service-oriented architecture enabling nations to collaborate via common standards and interfaces without requiring identical equipment.
- Interoperability standards for IT systems, including communication, cybersecurity, and data sharing protocols.
- Scalable edge computing capabilities to enhance mission management, sensor fusion, and situational awareness.
- Advanced AI technologies for combat asset control, airworthiness certification, and information processing across distributed systems.

Proposals must investigate standardised collaborative air combat solutions, demonstrating their applicability in contested environments. The expected outcome includes increased interoperability among EU air combat assets, alignment with NATO standards, and the promotion of AI sovereignty for military applications. The project will enhance cross-border SME participation, support harmonized industrial processes, and drive resource optimization across air combat domains.

Opening: 18.02.2025
Deadline(s): 16.10.2025